Americans beat Switzerland 1-0 in overtime
Team USA pay tribute to NHL star who died in August
The United States prevailed over Switzerland 1-0 in overtime to claim the American men’s first ice hockey world championship at the tournament since 1933.
Tage Thompson wristed a shot past goaltender Leonardo Genoni from the top of the right circle for the winner 2:02 into overtime with the 40th shot on goal. Logan Cooley and Brady Skjei provided the assists and goaltender Jeremy Swayman shut out the Swiss with 25 saves.
“We did it, the wait is over,” Swayman said in a social media post. “Thanks for sticking along with us. It’s going to be a great summer.”
The Americans were also awarded the title in 1960 when they won the Olympic tournament and the worlds did not take place. Team USA’s last men’s Olympic title came thanks to the Miracle On Ice at the 1980 Games.
Many of the world’s top players do not take part at the worlds as it takes place during the NHL playoffs, while others choose to rest after the long and grueling regular season. While most of the US players at this year’s tournament are on NHL teams, there are also a number of college players. The US had lost 12 world championship semi-finals in succession before they beat Sweden on Saturday.
As the US posed for photos after their win, they held up the jersey of Johnny Gaudreau who was struck and killed by a car along with his brother, Matthew, in August. A man accused of killing the NHL star and his brother while drunk driving is awaiting trial.
Earlier, Mikael Backlund and Marcus Johansson scored two goals each as Sweden beat Denmark 6-2 to take the bronze medal. It was the second straight third-place finish for Sweden while fourth place was the best-ever result for Denmark.
Lucas Raymond and Mika Zibanejad also scored for the Swedes while Nick Olesen and Nikolaj Ehlers scored for Denmark.
